Hawaiian Turn Chicken Kebabs (Print Version)
Tender chicken cubes marinated in pineapple-soy glaze, grilled with colorful peppers, onions, and fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Marinade
02 - 0.5 cup pineapple juice
03 - 0.25 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
04 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Skewer Ingredients
11 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 - 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
13 - 1 red onion, cut into large wedges
14 - 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
# Directions:
01 - Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
02 - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
03 - Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Distribute ingredients evenly across all skewers and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
04 - Place the kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes total, turning every 4 minutes to achieve even char marks on all sides. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be lightly charred.
05 - Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot while the pineapple and vegetables are still tender-crisp.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The marinade does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
- Something magical happens when pineapple juice meets high heat and caramelizes
02 -
- Set aside some marinade before adding raw chicken if you want to brush on extra flavor during cooking
- Don't crowd the grill or everything will steam instead of getting that sweet char
03 -
- Pat the marinade off the chicken slightly before grilling for better char formation
- Let skewers rest on the platter for 2 minutes before serving so juices settle back into the meat